Are we born with style as a trait we inherit or is it
something we learn? This is a tough one for me to answer as I was the furthest
thing from stylish in my adolescent years. However I do remember always liking
clothes that were a bit unusual compared to my friends. I would generally buy
things which were similar to my peers and wear them very subtly, in a different
way. The problem with being a child/teenager is that we generally want to fit
in so I wouldn’t always allow myself to wear the things I wanted to but more,
the things that would make me blend in. Looking back I can see where my
personal style started to emerge as a child and the ideas I would conceal are
the same ideas that now make it fun to get dressed in a morning and allow me to
happily stand out in a crowd.
When I met a new found friend she told me how, as a child, she
would watch from afar and admire the way my mother would dress when going to
church every Sunday. We grew up in the same town yet never met until our
children went to the same nursery. It was only when my mother was picking up my
daughter from nursery that said friend recognized her from 20 years ago, as the
woman who wore the beautiful red and black coat with heels and nice hair.
Now I don’t particularly remember thinking I had a stylish
mother growing up however I can’t recall a time when I was embarrassed by what
she was wearing, as I’m sure most children are at some point. It has only been
in the last ten years or so that I have analyzed my mother’s attire and come to
see that she is one stylish mature lady. Whilst some of her outfits may not be
to my taste, I can appreciate that she is always well presented and dresses
fashionably, knowing the limits age has imposed on her when it comes to
avoiding the ‘mutton dressed as lamb’ look. In having such a trendy mother and a
fashion loving daughter in one family, it suggests that maybe style is in the
genes.
I have been lucky enough to live in Edinburgh, Glasgow and
London where individuality is celebrated, especially in London where anything
goes. Living here allowed me to experiment with different looks and find a
sense of myself. From my time in this
cosmopolitan city I learned that everyone has a different idea of what looks
good and that's okay. I would take inspiration from people in the street and adapt elements of
their look to suit myself, creating my own image. This would insinuate that people
can be educated when it comes to style.
After a lot of thought and changing my decision
a thousand times, I have finally come to the conclusion that my style is a culmination
of things. I certainly believe that growing up around a fashion conscious woman
who takes pride in her appearance, subconsciously influenced me. This, coupled together
with me soaking up my surroundings in buzzing, multicultural cities in Britain
has undoubtedly contributed to the way I chose and continue to wear clothes.
Whilst I don’t think natural style can be inherited or taught, I believe it can evolve
through the experience of life. So the answer to the question, in my opinion is
no, style is not in the genes.
MINX JUBILEE INSPIRED NAILS
